When in Doubt, Zoom Out
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get frustrated with what feels like a lack of progress. Often, we are too zoomed in, focusing on the short-term setbacks and missing the bigger picture. When in doubt, zoom out, and look at how far you have come over a longer time horizon. Consistency and perseverance lead to compounded growth, and it's important to pause and appreciate this gradual improvement.
Take my experience with writing on Stacker News as an example. Initially, I was obsessed with maintaining my streak, focusing so much on not breaking it that the quality of my writing suffered. After achieving a month-long streak, I aimed to keep it going indefinitely. However, I eventually broke the streak. This setback made me realize the importance of the bigger picture. Zooming out, I saw that the streak itself was less significant than the habit of consistent writing I had developed. Comparing my current output to last year, where I barely posted anything, and to the previous year, where I only wrote inconsistently in my journal, the progress was evident. Transitioning from private journaling to sharing my work publicly marked substantial growth.
A similar lesson came from my sprint training. Starting in 2021 with a top speed in the 18 mph range, I have significantly improved over three years. My average and maximum speeds have both increased, and I am getting faster every year with my current best speed being 20.13 mph. Sometimes, I get caught up in comparing my most recent speeds week by week, expecting continuous improvement. This unrealistic expectation can be discouraging. However, by zooming out, I can see that my overall trajectory is upward, confirming that my efforts are paying off.
Modern life often feels overwhelming with its rapid pace, making it easy to lose sight of our long-term progress. We forget to zoom out and reflect on how far we’ve come after years of consistent work. Whether it’s writing, sprinting, exercising, adhering to a diet, or any other endeavor, as long as the long-term trajectory is upward, we are on the right track.
In conclusion, whenever you feel stuck or doubt your progress, take a moment to zoom out. Reflect on your journey and acknowledge the improvements you've made over time. This perspective shift can renew your motivation and reassure you that consistent effort leads to meaningful growth.
Solid advice. I second that, take time for yourself once in a while, for example between jobs. Don't freak out (I know it's easier said than done) and really take a deep breath. Think what's important to you and be honest with yourself, you will be surprised that it might not be the money or fame when you really reach deep down. It's your live, live it your way.. stay away from stereotypes and Joneses. See the big picture and look in the mirror and decide if you like what you see.... Coach Parcells used this quote from Dale Wimbrow that stuck with me... "...You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you've cheated the man in the glass..."
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Thank you! And I appreciate your comment and the wonderful quote you shared!
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Love this. Yeah, I know this was used as it came to charts in the Bitcoin space when things got rough. In the end, a lot of us can be hard on ourselves because we want the best lives for ourselves and our family.
When you do something for several years while being in a drought it can be rough, but countless subtle lessons are learned through that period of time - so when you do need to strike and strike hard, you will be fully prepared and equipped to do it right.
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Zom out 100x. Letz goooo baby...great article!!!
After reading your article, I've just come out of a great confusion.
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Much appreciated! Lets gooooo!
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whenever you feel stuck or doubt your progress, take a moment to zoom out. Reflect on your journey and acknowledge the improvements you've made over time. This perspective shift can renew your motivation and reassure you that consistent effort leads to meaningful growth.
Totally agree with you.
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Satosora 5 Jun
Also, take a moment to breath and relax. Making progress means you are still alive :)
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Such a simple but often overlooked practice, breathing and relaxing.
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Life moves pretty fast if u don’t stop and look around once in a while u might just miss it
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Oh whoa! Nice article. I'm glad you've learned to zoom out. I think mediation helps with that, it sounds silly. But I practice thinking 6 impossible things daily,(it's certainly such great practice) and I cannot repeat anything from prior. So that's been very fun, I keep most of it to myself. I'm so embarrassed by such thoughts sometimes. Think, while it's still legal.